

Commercial Real Estate Secrets
Aviva Sonenreich
Welcome to Commercial Real Estate Secrets, hosted by Aviva Sonenreich, a seasoned commercial real estate owner, broker, and content creator. On this podcast, you'll hear real stories from real people who have created real success in commercial real estate. Join us each week to gain invaluable insights and practical steps you can take to achieve your dreams of becoming a successful commercial real estate investor, agent, or broker.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 7, 2025 • 19min
The #1 Investing Strategy Most People Still Ignore
If you’ve ever thought investing in real estate was only for insiders or people with massive portfolios — this episode is going to shift your mindset.Too many investors stay stuck in the stock market because they don’t know where to start with alternatives. Tom Dunkel is here to break it down.In this episode, we’re diving into why private real estate deals are more accessible than you think, how to build true diversification, and why now might be the perfect time to shift some capital out of public markets.💥 Here’s what we get into:Why diversification actually works when you do it rightWhat makes an operator worth trusting — and investing withThe #1 reason multifamily remains a long-term winnerHow to use short-term private lending for high-yield cash flowWhat insurance markets are signaling in places like FloridaWhy the best deals in 2025 will come from operators stuck with floating-rate debtHow Tom built a fund of funds that gives investors access to vetted, off-market dealsYour portfolio doesn’t need more complexity — it needs better strategy. Listen in and start reallocating with confidence.Connect with Tom Dunkel: Linkedin | E-book Liked this episode? Share it with a friend.Love the show? Leave us a 5-star review! Even a short sentence helps us keep bringing you the content you love.Ready to sell or lease a warehouse? Visit warehousehotline.com to get started. Connect with Aviva: Website TikTok Instagram Facebook LinkedIn

Apr 2, 2025 • 26min
This Is What 80 Years in Real Estate Teaches You
Legacy. Strategy. Evolution. In this episode, I sit down with Jeffrey Rosenberg, President & CEO of Big V Property Group, to explore the pivotal lessons from over 80 years in the commercial real estate industry.What started with a corner grocery store in the 1940s is now a 50+ center, 14-state retail portfolio—anchored by some of the biggest names in the game. Jeffrey shares what it takes to not only survive but thrive in big box retail—and why the smartest operators are leaning into omnichannel models, data, and long-term thinking.We also get into:✅ Why Big V shifted from supermarkets to big box retail✅ The untold story of how e-commerce is helping brick-and-mortar✅ What 97% occupancy actually says about the market✅ How COVID revealed the true values of major national tenants✅ Why retail is still a social experience—and always will be✅ Lessons passed down from a 6th-grade-educated grandfather who built an empire✅ Why legacy is more than ownership—it’s stewardshipWhether you're deeply involved in retail, commercial real estate investment, or simply enjoy stories of perseverance and strategic innovation, this episode offers actionable insights and inspiration.📍 Learn more at bigv.com Liked this episode? Share it with a friend.Love the show? Leave us a 5-star review! Even a short sentence helps us keep bringing you the content you love.Ready to sell or lease a warehouse? Visit warehousehotline.com to get started. Connect with Aviva: Website TikTok Instagram Facebook LinkedIn

Mar 31, 2025 • 23min
The Hidden Goldmine in Parking Garages and Mobile Home Parks
In this episode, I sit down with Kevin Bupp—founder of Sunrise Capital Investors and host of Real Estate Investing for Cash Flow—to unpack the real story behind mobile home parks, parking garages, and what it really takes to succeed in niche commercial real estate.We talk about:The Truth About Mobile Home Parks – Everyone says they’re low-maintenance, cash-flow machines. Kevin calls BS—and shares what it’s actually like to manage thousands of lots across the U.S.Parking Garages as a Power Play – Why owning parking isn’t just about cars—it’s about controlling irreplaceable real estate in top-tier cities and making money while you wait.Value-Add Strategy That Works – How Kevin turned a parking garage into a $300K NOI boost overnight with one simple move (and why institutional owners miss opportunities like this).Cash Flow vs. IRR – The real metrics that matter when evaluating long-term CRE investments—and why most investors are looking at the wrong numbers.Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting in commercial real estate, this episode is packed with practical insights on how to scale, operate, and hold real estate assets that perform for the long haul.Connect with Kevin Bupp: Website | Podcast | Linkedin Liked this episode? Share it with a friend.Love the show? Leave us a 5-star review! Even a short sentence helps us keep bringing you the content you love.Ready to sell or lease a warehouse? Visit warehousehotline.com to get started. Connect with Aviva: Website TikTok Instagram Facebook LinkedIn

Mar 26, 2025 • 25min
The Top Tax Benefits of Owning Commercial Real Estate
You can’t build a successful real estate portfolio if you don’t understand the fundamentals first. That’s why strategy, stability, and tax advantages are key to long-term success.In this episode of Commercial Real Estate Secrets, I sit down with Stewart Heath, CPA, CEO of Harvard Grace Capital, to dive deep into: 🔹 How Stewart Heath transitioned from CPA to real estate investor 🔹 The impact of the 2008 financial crisis & key lessons learned 🔹 Why medical office buildings are a hidden gem in commercial real estate 🔹 The top tax benefits of owning income-producing properties 🔹 The importance of maintaining reserves & avoiding over-leveraging 🔹 Actionable advice for aspiring real estate investorsIf you’re looking to build wealth through commercial real estate, minimize risk, and maximize cash flow, this episode is for you.Connect with Stewart Heath: Website | Linkedin Liked this episode? Share it with a friend.Love the show? Leave us a 5-star review! Even a short sentence helps us keep bringing you the content you love.Ready to sell or lease a warehouse? Visit warehousehotline.com to get started. Connect with Aviva: Website TikTok Instagram Facebook LinkedIn

Mar 24, 2025 • 22min
Why Industrial Real Estate Is Booming (And Where It’s Headed Next)
🔥 The Industrial Real Estate Revolution (And Why Cold Storage Is the Future)Industrial real estate has gone from being the “Rodney Dangerfield” of commercial real estate to one of the hottest asset classes. And this week, we’re talking to the man who’s been in the game for 40 years—Cliff Booth, Founder and Chairman of Westmount Realty Capital.In this episode, we break down: ✅ How industrial real estate became the hottest investment class ✅ Why cold storage is booming—and what’s driving demand ✅ The biggest challenges in developing cold storage facilities ✅ How Cliff mitigates risk with multi-tenant and flexible build-outs ✅ The real reason debt sinks real estate investors (and how to avoid it)Plus, we talk about top markets for cold storage, why rental rates are skyrocketing, and the strategies that are making investors serious money in the space.🎧 Hit play and let’s get into it!Where to Connect with Cliff Booth: LinkedIn | Website Liked this episode? Share it with a friend.Love the show? Leave us a 5-star review! Even a short sentence helps us keep bringing you the content you love.Ready to sell or lease a warehouse? Visit warehousehotline.com to get started. Connect with Aviva: Website TikTok Instagram Facebook LinkedIn

Mar 19, 2025 • 18min
How the Top 1% Build Wealth (And Why You’re Not Doing It Yet)
In this episode of Commercial Real Estate Secrets, I sit down with Dave Wolcott, Founder and CEO of Pantheon Investments, to break down the unconventional wealth-building strategies used by the top 1%. Dave shares his journey from serving in the Marine Corps to becoming a successful investor and reveals how to achieve financial freedom beyond traditional stock market investments.We talk about:The Holistic Wealth Strategy – Why traditional financial advice won’t make you wealthy and the five phases you need to follow instead.Alternative Investments Beyond Real Estate – How investing in oil, gas, and private credit can create passive income and hedge against market volatility.Real Estate as a Hedge Against Inflation – The strategies that top investors use to maximize returns and protect their wealth.High-Yield Commercial Real Estate Investments – What makes a good deal in today’s tough market and how Pantheon Investments structures winning opportunities.Whether you're a real estate investor, entrepreneur, or looking for smarter ways to build wealth, these insights will help you scale faster and make more strategic investment decisions.Listen now and start taking control of your financial future.Get a free copy of Holistic Wealth Strategy at: HolisticWealthStrategy.comConnect with Dave Wolcott: Linkedin | Facebook | Website Liked this episode? Share it with a friend.Love the show? Leave us a 5-star review! Even a short sentence helps us keep bringing you the content you love.Ready to sell or lease a warehouse? Visit warehousehotline.com to get started. Connect with Aviva: Website TikTok Instagram Facebook LinkedIn

Mar 17, 2025 • 19min
The $15B Industry You’ve Never Heard Of
In this episode of Commercial Real Estate Secrets, I sit down with Neal Sherman, founder and CEO of TageX Brands. With nearly four decades in the industry, Neal has established TageX as a leading force in managing the lifecycle and liquidation of restaurant equipment through strategic warehousing.We talk about: 🔄 How TageX Brands utilizes warehouses to effectively manage equipment assets nationwide💰 The surprising story behind the most expensive item they've ever sold (it's not what you'd expect!)🌱 The importance of sustainability in preventing equipment waste📉 Major challenges impacting the food industry, including labor shortages and rising operational costs🤖 The future role of automation in transforming foodservice operationsWhether you're in commercial real estate, the foodservice industry, or intrigued by innovative niche markets, this episode is packed with valuable insights!📲 Follow Neal Sherman & TageX Brands: Website | Email | Instagram Liked this episode? Share it with a friend.Love the show? Leave us a 5-star review! Even a short sentence helps us keep bringing you the content you love.Ready to sell or lease a warehouse? Visit warehousehotline.com to get started. Connect with Aviva: Website TikTok Instagram Facebook LinkedIn

Mar 12, 2025 • 31min
The Next Big Opportunity in Real Estate (And It’s NOT Multifamily)
In this episode of Commercial Real Estate Secrets, I sit down with Jack Bosch, co-founder of Land Profit Generator. After immigrating to the U.S. with no real estate experience, Jack built a business flipping land and has now completed over 5,000 deals.We talk about: 🚀 How Jack went from immigrant to land-flipping expert 💰 The simple strategy behind land flipping (even with no money) 📍 The best types of land to invest in and why they are lucrative 🛠️ The most effective ways to find and acquire land deals 📢 How to sell land quickly using realtors, online platforms, and targeted buyers’ lists 🔄 Why adaptability in real estate is key and why now is the time to start investingIf you’ve ever wanted to break into real estate but felt overwhelmed by traditional investing, this episode is for you!📲 Follow Jack Bosch: Website | Instagram | Linkedin Liked this episode? Share it with a friend.Love the show? Leave us a 5-star review! Even a short sentence helps us keep bringing you the content you love.Ready to sell or lease a warehouse? Visit warehousehotline.com to get started. Connect with Aviva: Website TikTok Instagram Facebook LinkedIn

Mar 10, 2025 • 21min
How Squatters Steal Homes & Get Away With It
In this episode, I’m joined by George McCleary, CEO of Defender Networks, for an eye-opening conversation about squatting, title fraud, and protecting property owners from financial ruin. George, who went viral with his video I Stole a House, shares how squatters exploit legal loopholes, how title fraud is on the rise, and what landlords can do to safeguard their investments. We dive into the vulnerabilities of real estate transactions and discuss innovative solutions to combat these threats.We talk about:How squatters manipulate the legal system to take over propertiesThe financial toll of squatting cases, costing property owners $50,000 to $100,000 per incidentThe shocking ease of committing title fraud and how criminals steal home equityWhy traditional title insurance doesn’t cover fraud and impersonationHow Defender Networks’ Squatter Defender and Title Fraud Defender are changing the gameThe slow progress of anti-squatting legislation and how some states, like Florida, are taking actionConnect with George McCleary:Website: Squatter Defender | Title Fraud DefenderSocial Media: Facebook | LinkedIn Liked this episode? Share it with a friend.Love the show? Leave us a 5-star review! Even a short sentence helps us keep bringing you the content you love.Ready to sell or lease a warehouse? Visit warehousehotline.com to get started. Connect with Aviva: Website TikTok Instagram Facebook LinkedIn

Mar 5, 2025 • 28min
The Truth About Building a $1.6 Billion CRE Pipeline with Bob Knakal
It’s Our 100th Episode—And We’re Celebrating Big!In this special episode of Commercial Real Estate Secrets, I’m joined by Bob Knakal, Chairman and CEO of BKREA, and one of the most legendary commercial real estate brokers of all time. We dive into Bob’s career, his mindset for success, and the lessons that shaped his path.BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN:• Why passion, expertise, and discipline are critical for long-term success in CRE• How Bob secured $1.6 billion in exclusive listings within six months of launching BKREA• Why failures became Bob’s greatest teachers and how they fueled his growthConnect with Bob Knakal:📍 Website: BKREA.com | BobKnakal.com📍 Social Media: Instagram | X | Linkedin Liked this episode? Share it with a friend.Love the show? Leave us a 5-star review! Even a short sentence helps us keep bringing you the content you love.Ready to sell or lease a warehouse? Visit warehousehotline.com to get started. Connect with Aviva: Website TikTok Instagram Facebook LinkedIn